to be -- you know -- [ overlapping speakers ] >> the united states pays more than two-thirds of the nato budget so we have a lion's share of influence. the money paid to save the germans and french backpackers, that trend has continued. now we have encouraged -- our allies have encouraged this industry by rewarding it with money, and instead of reacting -- using other means. >> michael: of course it is going to continue if it has worked. i want to ask you as someone who has a degree of expertise in this, where do you see this going now? and what would america's role be? on the ground, with drones? what is your take on that. >> i don't think there's any reason to put american boots on the ground in algeria or anywhere else. but generally what the united states has that is superior to france or any of our nato allies is technical intelligence capabilities. satellites and drones and such. and any of our allies who are active in the fight against terrorism there. algeria has been a safe haven for a number of radical it listen-only modic groups. and they are sort of using it as an extension o